How genetic diversity affects biological aging and Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: The Influence of Admixture on Biological Aging in the Context of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10996756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes affect aging and the risk of Alzheimer's disease, especially in people whose backgrounds haven't been studied much before, and by joining in, you can help find new ways to understand and possibly prevent Alzheimer's based on your unique genetics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,618 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG090006-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from genetically diverse backgrounds who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease or those who are not from diverse genetic backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic diversity influences biological aging, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on developing and validating methylation clocks, which are tools that measure biological age based on genetic markers, in genetically diverse populations that have been historically underrepresented in research. By understanding these relationships, the study aims to identify potential biomarkers that could predict Alzheimer's risk and inform targeted therapies. Patients participating in this research may contribute to a better understanding of how their unique genetic backgrounds affect their aging process and Alzheimer's disease risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictive tools for Alzheimer's disease risk tailored to diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using methylation clocks as biomarkers for aging and disease risk, but this specific approach in genetically diverse populations is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruz Gonzalez, Sebastian — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Cruz Gonzalez, Sebastian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipids and brain aging in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease by studying blood and brain-related lipid patterns.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids in aging and Alzheimer's disease
A lipid-focused research effort is exploring how fat-related molecules influence brain aging and Alzheimer's disease to uncover new ideas for care.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids to understand aging and Alzheimer’s disease
This grant studies how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Team science approach to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease with machine learning and functional genomics
A combined team effort will use advanced computer models and brain cell data to understand how aging influences Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Brains aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a multi-scale MRI and biology study
Researchers will combine advanced diffusion MRI and biological data to better understand how aging relates to Alzheimer’s disease in people, aiming to spot early signals that may lead to prevention.
-
Studying how aging and Alzheimer’s affect the front part of the brain using real-time imaging and computer models
Researchers will combine live brain imaging in animals with computer simulations to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change the prefrontal cortex and relate to memory and thinking problems.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.